GLOBAL JOURNAL OF EARTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
Integrity Research Journals
ISSN: 2636-6002
Model: Open Access/Peer Reviewed
DOI: 10.31248/GJEES
Start Year: 2016
Email: gjees@integrityresjournals.org
Evaluation of Usen clay deposit in Edo State, Nigeria, as a drilling mud
https://doi.org/10.31248/GJEES2026.228 | Article Number: F470D99A5 | Vol.11 (2) - April 2026
Received Date: 12 January 2026 | Accepted Date: 10 April 2026 | Published Date: 30 April 2026
Authors: Obeta, P. O.* and Bayari, S. F.
Keywords: Rheological properties, Bentonite comparison, drilling mud formulation, Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis, Usen clay deposit.
This study evaluates the suitability of the Usen clay deposit in Edo State, Nigeria for use as drilling mud through comprehensive mineralogical, chemical, and rheological analyses. Elemental characterization was conducted using Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA) at the Nigerian Research Reactor (NIRR-1), revealing that the clay is predominantly siliceous, with high SiO₂ (74.55%) and moderate Al₂O₃ (11.72%) concentrations, but deficient in Na₂O (0.02%) and MgO (below detection limit). Rheological properties were assessed following API diagnostic procedures, including Marsh funnel viscosity, plastic viscosity, apparent viscosity, and mud density. Results showed that the formulated mud exhibited poor rheological performance, with viscosities far below API standards (e.g., apparent viscosity of 1.0 cP vs. API minimum of 15 cP), attributable to low sodium and magnesium contents. However, mud density values (8.55 lb/gal) were within acceptable limits, suggesting potential for modification. Comparative analysis with API bentonite confirmed weak correlation (R² = 0.288), highlighting the need for beneficiation strategies such as sodium activation, polymer treatment, and barite addition to enhance performance. Overall, while the Usen clay demonstrates favorable density characteristics, its poor rheological behavior necessitates chemical modification before industrial application as drilling mud.
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